FALL SPORTS & PODIATRY: KEEPING YOUR FEET IN THE GAME

ARE YOU READY TO KICK OFF THE FALL SEASON WITH SOME FALL SPORTS? WHETHER YOU’RE HITTING THE FOOTBALL FIELD OR LACING UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES FOR A MARATHON, KEEPING YOUR FEET IN TOP SHAPE IS CRUCIAL. THAT’S WHY ALIGN FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC IS HERE TO GUIDE YOU.

Are you ready to kick off the fall season with some fall sports? Whether you’re hitting the football field or lacing up your running shoes for a marathon, keeping your feet in top shape is crucial. That’s why Align Foot & Ankle Clinic is here to guide you through the world of fall sports and podiatry. In this blog, we’ll explore how to prevent common foot injuries, provide tips for proper footwear selection, and share helpful recommendations on maintaining healthy feet while enjoying your favorite activities. Don’t let foot pain bench you this season – stay tuned for all the tips! 

A Devastating NFL Injury: Aaron Rodgers Tears His Achilles 

Before we dive into our discussion on keeping your feet healthy for fall sports, let’s address a recent, unfortunate event in the NFL that highlights the importance of foot health. During Tuesday night’s game, Aaron Rodgers suffered a devastating injury. During the game, he tore his Achilles tendon, an injury that will sideline him for the rest of the season, and possibly even longer. 

The Achilles tendon is a vital component in the lower leg, connecting the muscles in the back of the calf to the heel bone. When it tears, it’s not only excruciatingly painful but also severely impacts a person’s ability to walk and perform physical activities. So, what can you do to avoid a similar injury that befell Aaron Rodgers? 

Preventing injuries should be a top priority for athletes of all levels. To ensure an active and injury-free fall sports season, consider these tips:

  • Warm-Up: Always start your activities with a proper warm-up to prepare your muscles and joints.
  • Routine Stretching: Stretching mainly reduces injuries by increasing flexibility, circulation, mobility and lubricates joints. The benefits may seem small, but can prevent long-term injuries.
  • Footwear: Invest in high-quality, sport-specific shoes that provide proper support and fit.
  • Technique: Focus on proper technique and form to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
  • Rest and Recovery: Allow your body time to recover between activities, and listen to your body’s signals.
  • Consult a Podiatrist: Regular check-ups with a podiatrist like Dr. Ho-Ellsworth can help identify potential issues before they become serious injuries.

Common Foot Injuries in Fall Sports 

Some common foot injuries associated with fall sports include:

  • Apophysitis or “Sever’s Disease”: Common cause of heel pain in growing children where the growth plate in the back of the heel becomes inflamed and painful.
  • Sprained Ankles: Frequent in sports involving sudden direction changes or jumping.
  • Stress Fractures: Repetitive impact can result in tiny fractures in the bones, particularly in the feet.
  • Turf Toe: Hyperextension of the big toe, often seen in sports played on artificial turf.
  • Achilles Tendonitis: Overuse or sudden intense activity can strain the Achilles tendon.
  • Achilles Tendon Tears: A severe injury where the Achilles tendon completely or partially tears, often requiring extensive recovery.

Podiatrists, or foot and ankle specialists, play a crucial role in helping athletes maintain optimal foot health during the fall sports season. They offer expertise in:

  • Footwear Recommendations: Podiatrists can evaluate your foot structure and recommend the right athletic footwear to provide stability and support.
  • Gait Analysis: Professional gait analysis can identify biomechanical issues that might contribute to injury risk. At Align Foot & Ankle Clinic, we utilize a 3-D gait analysis to scan your feet for custom orthotics that address these concerns.
  • Ankle Support: If you have a history of ankle injuries, podiatrists can suggest ankle braces or taping techniques to enhance stability.
  • Injury Prevention Exercises: Podiatrists can design strength and flexibility exercises tailored to your specific sport to reduce the risk of common injuries.
  • Treatment and Rehabilitation: In the unfortunate event of an injury, podiatrists can provide prompt diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation plans customized to your needs.
  • Treatment Options for Foot Injuries: Align Foot & Ankle offers the latest treatments with Class 4 laser therapy and advanced regenerative therapy (RestoraJel), a safe, non-surgical alternative that offers faster recovery with minimal down. If you’re suffering from any type of injury, sprain, tendinitis, or tendon tears, find out if RestoraJel is right for you!

If you do experience a foot injury during your fall sports activities, it’s essential to seek prompt treatment. Treatment options may include rest, physical therapy, immobilization, and in some cases, surgery. Dr. Ho-Ellsworth can assess the extent of the injury and recommend the most suitable treatment plan to facilitate a full recovery. 

How to Choose the Right Athletic Shoes 

Selecting the right athletic shoes is vital for preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Consider factors such as your foot type, the sport you’ll be participating in, and the surface you’ll be playing on when choosing your footwear. Consulting with a podiatrist like Dr. Ho-Ellsworth can help you find the perfect fit. 

When picking your footwear, focus on these key features:

  • Rocker-Toe: Look for shoes with a rocker-toe design if you have limited joint mobility and to reduce foot stress.
  • Arch Support: Ensure the shoes offer proper arch support for alignment and injury prevention.
  • Roomy Toe Box: Opt for shoes with ample toe space to prevent crowding and allow natural toe movement.
  • Stiff, Thick Soles: Choose shoes with sturdy, cushioned soles for shock absorption and foot protection.
  • High Tops: Consider high-top shoes for added ankle support and stability, especially in sports that involve quick direction changes like basketball. 

Conclusion: Keeping Your Feet Healthy and Strong 

As you embrace fall sports and outdoor activities, remember that your foot and ankle health are essential for your overall well-being. The recent injury to NFL star Aaron Rodgers, who suffered an Achilles tendon tear, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of foot health in sports. Don’t let an injury sideline your enjoyment of the season. With the right care, precautions, and the guidance of Dr. Ho-Ellsworth, you can continue to excel in your fall sports while keeping your feet healthy and strong.  

To discuss a treatment plan tailored to your feet and sports, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho-Ellsworth by visiting our website or calling us at (512) 882-4911. Don’t forget to check out our socials for valuable insights and updates: